Luxembourg and a Little Lagniappe

  We loaded the kids and suitcases and headed south 500 kilometers for another memorable European expedition.  This time, destination: Luxembourg--and a little lagniappe.  Our travels took us through Luxembourg City, Luxembourg; Trier, Germany; and a stop in Bastogne, Belgium for a two-day family whirlwind of country hopping, leisurely drives, vineyard vistas, and historical reflection.  

 When in Europe...raise a glass, cross borders, and make memories, right?  Or so we try...tots in tow.  

Luxembourg

  Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe and is home to nearly half a million people.  This tiny country is bordered on three sides by Belgium, France, and Germany.  German is the first language taught in school, but all business and official dealings are conducted in French.  

Chemin de la Corniche - once known as "the most beautiful balcony in Europe"

The statue of the "Golden Lady" is actually a "Monument of Remembrance"  from World War I to those to  courageously volunteered to support the Allied Forces.

Graham kept asking when are we going to see the Eiffel Tower...

Our only family photo op

Of course, a stop at the weekend markets is a must!  
Finding the treasure seems a much easier task than chasing a three year old chasing pigeons through the squares.

The Mosel River Wine Valley

 The Moselle River serves as the border between Luxembourg and Germany.  It is deep within these valleys where family wine-growing villages are nestled and have been for over 2,000 years.  While this region is known for its white wines, many of these producers do not export.  So, we made sure to take a few extra bottles of Pinot Gris and Riesling back with us!

 The views were amazing and so unexpected!

Yes, even deer have their own bridge crossings.  Jason spied several deer stands. 

Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial

What a humbling afternoon spent reflecting on the courageous and valiant American soldiers, who lost their lives during the Battle of the Bulge.  It was definitely a moving reminder of the great sacrifices the men and women of our military make.

We found a few markers of soldiers from Louisiana.  

The inscription reads "Here Rests In Honored Glory A Comrade In Arms Known But To God"
It was such a moving afternoon.

Neither Jason nor I were aware that General Patton was buried abroad.

A boy watching airplanes.  
The Luxembourg airport was very near to the cemetery, so Graham enjoyed the site of those "jumbo planes" flying overhead. 

Trier, Germany

 So, we basically made a hop, skip, and jump over to Germany's oldest town because TripAdvisor suggested we check out the ancient ruins. While the kiddos were sound asleep in their car seats, we snapped a few photos in passing and headed back to Luxembourg.

Perched high on a hill,  The Blessed Mother

Bastogne, Belgium

  Traveling home, we actually drove through parts of Belgium. And it was quite fitting that our route took us right through the heart of Bastogne, Belgium where the Battle of the Bulge was waged during World War II.  Though this quaint, hilly war town has since been rebuilt, buildings restored, and pastures returned to their green glory; evidence of one of WWII's bloodiest battles is still very present along the streets and forever woven into the town's fabric.  For Bastogne, honoring the memory of those Allied troops remains visible and steadfast.  For Jason, an avid reader on the historical accounts of World War II, our visit to the Bastogne War Museum was particularly meaningful, and the opportunity to personally thank a couple of ninety-year old American WWII veterans for their bravery and service was personally gratifying.     

Where is a leash when you need one??

The five-point American star, Mardasson Memorial was monumented to memorialize those 76,000+ Americans killed, wounded, or missing during the Battle of the Bulge.
"The Belgian People Remember Their American liberators - July 4, 1946" 

Walking back to our car, fittingly, the air was filled with a lurking chill and a gloom colored the skies.  We couldn't help but pause and think of the lives lost across these very pastures during that harsh winter of 1944.